ECNL Head Coach

CLUB VISION:

Rapids Youth Soccer (CRYSC), "The Heart Behind the Crest," is a leading Colorado destination club serving 12,000 youth players across a 100-mile radius. We are dedicated to developing remarkable coaches and providing a comprehensive player development experience that cultivates both on-field excellence and off-field growth. Our aim is to instill a lifelong passion for soccer and equip our players, coaches, and staff with the skills to succeed in all their future endeavors.

POSITION VISION:

At our club, ECNL coaches play a pivotal role in shaping each player’s passion, performance, and long-term development. We seek leaders who create player-centered, high-performance environments grounded in our club’s core values and development philosophy. As an ECNL Head Coach, you will guide athletes through a clearly defined pathway that supports growth on and off the field, including preparation for collegiate opportunities and beyond. Your commitment to consistent coaching standards, clear communication, and collaborative engagement with families and staff will be fundamental to delivering a unified and elite ECNL experience. Join us in advancing the next generation of youth soccer excellence.

CORE VALUES:

1. Enjoyment First – Developing a lifelong joy in the game is our coaches' primary focus.
2. Win Within – We strive to find victories big and small, both on and off the fields for our players.
3. In and Up – CRYSC coaches constantly develop themselves and their players, to find the best environment that fits their unique needs.
4. Keep it Simple, Keep it Small – As a large club, our coaches are the main point of communication to share information, and they should frame it for their players and parents to easily understand. 
5. Moment of Truth – CRYSC coaches recognize the importance of each interaction and communication within their role. “Create remarkable experiences” is our coach’s mantra.
6. Own It – Own the successes and failures of the teams you serve, encouraging player ownership down to the most minor details. 

JOB FUNCTIONS:

The ECNL Head Coach is responsible for leading, teaching, and managing a high-performance team competing in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). This role encompasses all aspects of training, competition, video analysis, college recruiting education, and year-round player development. The position requires a full 12-month commitment, consistent communication, and significant regional and national travel.

Excellent Communicator

• Can effectively communicate with players in a developmentally appropriate manner
• Adhere strictly to the club's communication policy, responding promptly to emails and voicemails, especially when addressing any arising issues.
• Ensure regular and reliable communication with the Director of Coaching for the respective age group.
• Ensure all reporting requirements for team and player development are promptly and accurately fulfilled.

A Proponent of the Rapids Youth Soccer Player Pathway

• Dedicate time and effort to building relationships with each player, fostering trust and rapport.
• Actively advocate for and implement the club's Player Development Plan to nurture player growth.
• Utilize the club's methodology to enhance player development, ensuring consistency in approach.
• Implement the CRYSC Game Model/style of play to optimize player and club development.
• Consider the individual ages and stages of development of each player within the team.
• Understand and effectively communicate the CRYSC Player Pathway to parents and players.
• Demonstrate flexibility to changes in the environment or schedule to meet players' and logistical needs.
• Maintain a resourceful approach to player development, both on and off the field, seeking opportunities for growth in various contexts.

Creative Problem Solver

• Prioritize the needs of both players and the team when addressing challenges.
• Trust the long-term player development process outlined by the club.
• Continuously evaluate coaching behaviors during training and games, assessing their impact on player development.
• Engage in reflective problem-solving during practices and games.
• Employ an inquiry-based approach to guide players toward desired behaviors.
• Embrace flexibility in exploring multiple solutions rather than adhering to a singular approach.
• Encourage creativity among players, even if it results in mistakes.

Self-Motivated Learner

• Focus on long-term player development rather than short-term outcomes, adjusting coaching methods to meet evolving player needs.
• Take ownership of your learning journey and collaborate with the Director to develop a personalized plan for growth within the club.
• Stay open and receptive to feedback, accepting input from others in a constructive and positive manner.

EXPERIENCE / DESIRED TRAITS:

• Be able to consistently create a player-centered environment by understanding the players and their needs
• Demonstrated experience coaching in national competitive platforms (e.g., ECNL, MLS Next, GA).
• Familiarity with the college recruiting landscape and demonstrated ability to support student-athletes pursuing collegiate opportunities.
• Proficiency in video-analysis systems such as Hudl, with the ability to integrate video into feedback and development planning.
• Proven ability to manage a 12-month calendar that includes training cycles, competition schedules, meetings, player evaluations, and travel.
• Minimum U.S. Soccer “B” License (or equivalent international license).

CONTRACT / EXPECTATIONS: 

• This is a 12-month part-time position to support year-round development, competition, and recruiting cycles.
• The compensation range is $10,000-$18,000/year based upon experience, licensing, and other responsibilities
• Participation in weekly ECNL technical & administrative meetings is required.
• Coaches must be available for regular evening and weekend work, as well as extensive travel to ECNL events and showcases.
• Performance will be reviewed based on player development, program alignment, team performance benchmarks, and contribution to club communication and culture.